Spring Penpont 2021
29 people attending
2 places left
This event has been moved due to coronavirus restrictions from the early May bank holiday to the new date of 11th - 14th June 2021.
This event going ahead on these dates remains dependent upon Welsh restrictions being sufficiently eased by then to allow it to proceed. It is possible that the number on the event may be restricted to thirty, unless there is a change in regulations before then.
Join one of OutdoorLads' most popular events - camping in the walled gardens of a stately home, beside the meandering River Usk set at the foot of the Brecon Beacons. We'll be holding a second event at Penpont in 2021 as well: this will go live in Spring 2021.
Many of you will know and love Penpont but for those who don't it truly is a magical place.
We will be running mountain walking, canoeing, mountain biking, and climbing days on this event as well as some beautiful day walks.
If you're feeling adventurous, you will have the opportunity to explore the Brecon Beacons with some of the finest views that South Wales has to offer. If you'd like a more sedate weekend, we have plenty of less strenuous activities planned and we'll be within easy travelling distance of the towns of Brecon and Abergavenny. Altertnatively you can spend the weekend relaxing within the Penpont Estate: exploring the remarkable buildings, gardens, the woodland art, hedge maze, tennis courts, croquet lawns, dower house and the 2000 acre estate that surrounds you!
After dusk we will gather together around a campfire, relax and be merry.
Campervans: Small campervans are welcome at the site, but limited to two in number and so subject to availability. They must be pre-booked with the OutdoorLads office on support@outdoorlads.com and there will be an additional charge. Unfortunately this site does not accept motorhomes or caravans.
Dogs: Penpont also welcomes well behaved quiet dogs, but they must be kept under control and with you during your stay on site. There is an additional charge of £6 per dog for the weekend, to be paid in cash on arrival.
Images: Image 1 used with permission of Penpont Estate. All other images taken by OutdoorLads members and permission is given for their use.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, here, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
- You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
- The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of taste and/or smell.
- You may be subject to local lockdown restrictions, which you must fully comply with. Details of the location of these restrictions can be found here for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- We do not encourage car sharing to events during the pandemic. Please comply with the safety travel guidance for England, Wales, and Scotland. Face coverings should be worn on public transport.
- OutdoorLads will support the tracing systems in place across the UK and attendance at an OutdoorLads event is considered permission to use contact details for this purpose if requested by the appropriate authority.
- All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop. Remember: Face, Hands, Space.
- Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
- Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice, but please bring one with you just in case it's needed. Please bring any other PPE items required. Bring a disposable bag for any used PPE.
- Members are advised to bring their own small first aid kit for personal use..
- Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
- Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
- Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!
COVID-19: Events Participation Statement
OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.
Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not experts, do not need to be experts, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as experts, but are amateurs with some experience in the event type and who are happy to impart their knowledge. Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.
By signing up to and attending an OutdoorLads event, you are confirming that you have read, understood and accept the content of this statement.
Please see our website for more information including an FAQ about our events.
Welsh Declaration
To comply with Welsh guidance, all attendees will be required to confirm their truthful agreement to the below statements at the start of the event. Please do not travel to the event if you are unable to agree to the below:
- I do not currently have symptoms of COVID-19 (new persistent dry cough, fever, loss of taste or smell)
- I have not had a positive test for COVID-19 or onset of symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 10 days. (Individuals who have completed their period of isolation (10 days) and have no remaining symptoms (other than a dry cough or loss of taste or smell which can last for some time) may return to normal activities)
- No member of my household has had symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- I have not been contacted by a contact tracer from the Test, Trace and Protect Programme and told to isolate in the last 14 days as a contact of someone with confirmed COVID-19
- I have not returned from a country outside of the UK in the last 14 days, other than those on the exempt list (https://gov.wales/exemptions-self-isolation-coronavirus-covid-19-html)
What to bring
The kit list!
For those of you who are not seasoned outdoorlads, there is an extensive typical list of possible kit below however you can get away with minimal kit and do not necessarily need everything listed below. This depends what you are planning to do over the weekend.
For example if you are planning on joining a long mountainous walk you will definitely need hiking boots.
For camping you will need a tent and something warm to sleep in as a minimum.
Message the event leaded if you need any advice .
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gators: Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be brought for each day hiking, with more being taken if cooking is required. Enough food for the duration of a walk should also be taken. Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary.
Map & Compass: A map of the area being walked in is essential as well as a compass. The map should be in a waterproof bag or be of a waterproof design.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Change of Clothes: A full change of clothes should be brought and kept in waterproof bags, as well as multiple pairs of socks.
Large Rucksack/Bergen: A large rucksack of around 60 litres is required. This rucksack should be capable of carrying all necessary equipment on the inside, as well as providing back support.
Tent: A tent if of course essential when sleeping out in the open. Walker’s should make sure that they have pitched the tent before, and have all parts of it, such as poles and pegs. The tent should also be light enough to carry as well as being able to stand up to the weather. A 3 season tent is recommended as a minimum level of protection.
Sleeping Bag / Mat: A sleeping bag is of course required for camping. Walker’s should look for one that provides adequate warmth, below the temperature that they expect. If in doubt walkers should bring a sleeping bag for colder conditions than they expect.
Cooking Equipment: Walkers should bring some kind of cooking equipment so that they can cook hot meals, and enjoy hot drinks when cold. Being able to cook hot food is essential during the colder months
Food & drink
Please note that there will be no BBQ provided nor will we have use of the kitchens. You will need to bring your own food for the course of the weekend.
There may be some communal meals organised nearer the event, look out for pre event messages.
You are welcome to use disposable BBQs, please take care to use the materials provided to prevent damaging the lawns. A number of larger containers that can be used for BBQs are present on site, available on a first come first serve basis.
There are a number of supermarkets and butchers available in Brecon for collecting supplies.